C T Online Desk: The 21st edition of Dhaka International Film Fest (DIFF) concluded after screening at the main auditorium of National Museum on January 22. 252 films from 71 countries were screened at this edition of the film festival.
This year’s festival organized by Rainbow Film Society showcased films in the Asian Film Competition, Retrospective category, Bangladesh Panorama , Cinema of the World, Children’s Film, Spiritual Film, Short and Independent Film and Women Filmmaker categories as always.
The winning films, documentaries, producers, actors, actresses, and cinematographers of 21st DIFF were announced at the closing event, in the presence of guests, jury, and producers from different countries.
“Mazel a Tyemfastvi Lesa” (Martin and the Magical Forest; Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany) won the Badal Rahman Best Children’s Film Award.
In the Asian Film Competition category, Mr. Artyo Anisimov won Best Cinematographer award for the Russian film “Podelniki” (The Riot; Mr. Anik Dutt won Best Scriptwriter award for the Indian film “Aparijit” (The Undefeated); Ketaki Narayan won Best Actress award for “Prapeda” (Hawk’s Muffin, India); Mr. Ikei Watanabe won Best actor award for Japanese film “Nakodo-Matchmakers” (Marriage Counsellors); Ali Ghavitan won the Best Director award for his film “Zendegi Va Zendegi” (Life and Life, Iran); and the Iranian film “Bi-Mother” (Motherless) won the award for Best Film in the category.
Bangladeshi film “JK 1971” won the Special Audience Award while another Bangladeshi film “Hawa” bagged the Audience Award.
Russian film “Mahatma Hafkin” was named the best documentary in Spiritual Film category.
Best Feature Film award went to Bangladeshui film “Ghore Fera” (Homecoming). The film also won the Best Fiction Film Award.
“Our Mother, Grandmother, Prime Minister: Sirimavo” received the Best Documentary award in Women Filmmakers Section. Katharina Wohl won Best Director award in the category for her film “Alle Ulen Gelliebot Warden (Everybody Wants to Love). The film “Listen” received the Best Feature Film award.
Bangladesh Panorama Section Best Film Award by Fipresci (International Federation of Film Critics) Jury went to “Satao” (Memories of Gloomy Monsoon).
Best Short Film Award by Fipresci Jury winners are – “Could You Be Free Yet Locked In?” [1ST, Cash Prize- 250 thousands BDT]; “Haghre” (An Era of Homelessness) [2nd, Cash Prize- 150 thousands BDT]; and “Krishnopokkho” (A Burning Soul) [3rd, Cash Prize- 100 thousands BDT]
A total of 38 short films and 15 films including the award-winning films were presented at the closing day of the 21st Dhaka International Film Festival.
